Bathing system

ABSTRACT

A bathing system comprising an inflatable rectangular vessel which can be placed on top of a bed for bathing an infirm person wherein the side wall of the vessel comprises three parallel inflatable conduits which are inflated with air through inlet tube is provided. A drain fitting is positioned at one corner of the vessel. A second drain fitting is positioned midway along one side of the vessel. The top side of the bottom surface of the vessel features a non-slip surface. Also provide is a contoured, inflatable wedge-shaped pillow.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) fromU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/873,854 filed Sep. 5,2013, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Bathing System.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a bathing system and, moreparticularly, the invention relates to a bathing system for allowingbedridden patients and sufferers of limited mobility to enjoy a fullshowering experience.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As many with limited mobility can easily attest, attempting to completeday to day tasks without assistance can be daunting and frustrating.Arthritic patients often find it very difficult, if not impossible, tolower themselves to or rise from a seated position without experiencingextreme pain. Similarly, those recovering from hip or knee replacementsurgery are unable to enjoy a refreshing and cleansing bath due to theirinability to bend or kneel into the bathtub. As such, many afflictedindividuals depend on help from a relative or licensed caregiver toassist in everything from feeding to bathing. Especially, patients whoare bedridden face almost insurmountable obstacles when it comes tobathing, since they have to rely on assistance from a family member orprofessional caregiver. Additionally, positioning a bedridden patient ina tub or shower stall can be dangerous for the individual since they areextremely susceptible to slips and falls. Medical facilities try tocombat this by hoisting and supporting patients with a series of strapsand harnesses; however, this tends to be scary and painful, especiallyfor patients with injuries such as broken hips. Unable to bask in thewarm, cleansing water of a bathtub or the brisk refreshment of apulsating shower, these individuals have little choice but to settle foran unsatisfying sponge bath.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-5 are perspective views illustrating a bathing system,constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 6-18 are diagrammatic views illustrating the components of thebathing system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-18, the present invention is a bathing systemfor allowing bedridden patients and sufferers of limited mobility toenjoy a full showering experience.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the bathing system of the presentinvention inflated and ready for use on a hospital bed.

FIG. 2 is a top down view of the bathing system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the bathing system of the present inventioninflated and ready for use on a hospital bed.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a water reservoir having a hand pump andthermometer for use in conjunction with the bating system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a face protector for use in conjunctionwith the bating system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic top down view of the inflatable conduit showingplacement of drain fittings.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic front close up view of the one way valve drainfitting for use in the bathing system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic top perspective view of the bathing system ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic side close up view showing the heat seal seamsof the inflatable conduit of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic end view showing the air inlet with one wayvalve of the inflatable conduit of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side view showing the inflatable conduit ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic end view showing the inflatable conduit of thepresent invention and placement of the heat seal seams shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic top down view of the inflatable head rest ofthe present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic side view of the inflatable head rest of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic front view of the inflatable head rest of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic rear perspective view of the inflatable headrest of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic side view of the inflatable head rest of thepresent invention showing placement of the air inlet with one way valve.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic rear view of the inflatable head rest of thepresent invention showing placement of the air inlet with one way valve.

The bathing system of the present invention is a specially designed, allencompassing bathing system that can be used right on top of a bed.Boasting a hard plastic shell and featuring a cushiony soft vinyllining, the bathing system is basically rectangular in shape, measuringapproximately six and one half feet (6½′) in length, two and one halffeet (2½′) in width, and eight inches (8″) in depth. An inflatableproduct, the unit expands to accommodate most hospital-type bed surfacesas well as most adult body types. Included for sale with the system aretwo (2) plastic tanks for use providing water for the shower and fordraining the tub. Two flexible hoses, the first for connecting to aportable shower head device and the second for use in draining the tub,are included with the system and are easily connected to the shower headand tank respectively via threaded fittings positioned on the ends ofthe hoses, with corresponding fittings positioned side by side on thetub and tank. These fittings boast watertight rubber gaskets or similarseals, preventing leakage during use. Included with the system is aconvenient pillow to elevate the patient's head to facilitate hairwashing, along with a face covering to keep excess water out of thepatient's eyes. The system can be a reusable unit for home use, while adisposable system can be employed for hospitals, nursing homes, andother professional care facilities.

Turning to the figures, the bathing system 10 of the present inventioncomprises a rectangular vessel wherein the side wall 32 comprises threeparallel inflatable conduits 22 which are inflated with air throughinlet tube 24. A drain fitting 26 is positioned at one corner of thedevice. A second drain fitting 26 is positioned midway along one side ofthe vessel. The top side of the bottom surface of the vessel features anon-slip surface 36. The inflatable conduits 22 can be filled by meansof an external mattress pump 38, through air intake tube 24. Theconduits 22 are connected to each other, so that only one air intaketube 24 is required. Air intake tube 24 comprises a one-way valve 28,shown in FIG. 7.

Inflatable head rest 42, shown in FIGS. 2 and 13 through 18, comprises acontoured, wedge shaped, inflatable pillow which comprises air inlet 44.Also included is face protector 46 which can be placed over the face ofthe user, if desired. Water tank 52, shown in FIG. 4, comprises handpump 54 and thermometer 56, for filling the vessel and ensuringappropriate temperature of the water.

In an embodiment, a shower head 62 can be attached to water tank 52, toprovide shower spray, if desired.

Use and application of the bathing system of the present invention is avery simple and straightforward. First, a user (most likely a relativeor professional caregiver) spreads a flattened system over the flatsurface of a bed. Next, the patient is assisted to lie within the unit.This process follows the procedure that is used to make a bed in ahospital, which involves a safe and comfortable system of log-typerolling of a bedridden patient under and over linens; this procedure ismost helpful in inserting the deflated system underneath the patient.The user then inflates the unit, as one does a rubberized kiddie pool.After filling the water tank with clean, warm water, the user connectsthe hose from the tank to a portable shower head, which is powered onand ran right in the bed of the patient. In this manner, the user canassist the patient in enjoying a full showering session. After use, thewater is drained into the tank and discarded. The system can be slightlyslanted to assist in this endeavor. Helping the patient off the system,the user then deflates and removes the unit from the bed, disconnect thehosing, and store the bath away until needed again.

There are several significant benefits and advantages associated withthe bathing system of the present invention. Foremost, the system allowsusers who suffer with mobility problems to enjoy a refreshing showerfrom the comforts of their bed. These users will appreciate that thesystem provides a simple, pain-free means for them to relax as a cascadeof warm, soothing water flows over their entire bodies. As a result,patients who are unfortunately bedridden can feel a renewed sense ofspirit that immersing oneself in a fully functioning shower can provide.Alleviating the worry that they will reinjure themselves in a tub orshower stall, and eliminating the need to be strapped into embarrassingand painful harnesses, the system provides patients with both comfortand dignity, not to mention a refreshingly clean body. Simple to use,the system can be expediently installed, working, and drained in amatter of minutes. The system proves particularly helpful to medicalstaff and family caregivers, handily easing their burdens. Lightweightyet durable, the reinforced plastic construction of the system ensuresyears of continued use. In addition, the sturdy and comfortable systemfosters a renewed sense of independence and self-sufficiency in elderlypatients afflicted with arthritis or similar ailments. Not just for theolder population, the system also proves invaluable to anyone withmobility challenges, from sufferers of palsy or scoliosis to thoserecovering from joint replacement surgery or broken bones. Thoughperfect for home use, the bathing system proves extremely beneficial tohospitals, and especially nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

The bathing system of the present invention offers users withmobility-impairing ailments an easy and comfortable way to take arefreshing shower. User friendly and versatile, the bathing systemallows its users to return to the everyday and enjoyable task ofshowering in a pain-free and confident manner.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferredembodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawingsand described in detail, with varying modifications and alternativeembodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown,described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled inthe art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, andthat the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to theclaims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention asdisclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of thespecific elements which are disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bathing system comprising an essentiallyrectangular vessel having a side wall comprising three parallelinflatable conduits, wherein the conduits are inflated with air throughan inlet tube, further comprising at least one drain fitting positionednear one corner of the rectangular vessel.
 2. The bathing system ofclaim 1 further comprising a second drain fitting positioned midwayalong one side of the rectangular vessel.
 3. The bathing system of claim1 further comprising a non-slip surface on the top side of the bottomsurface of the vessel.
 4. The bathing system of claim 1 wherein theinflatable conduits are capable of being filled with air by means of anexternal pump through an air intake tube, and wherein the conduits areconnected to each other, requiring only one air intake tube to fill thevessel.
 5. The bathing system of claim 4 wherein the air intake tubefurther comprises a one-way valve.
 6. The bathing system of claim 1,further comprising an inflatable head rest, wherein the head restcomprises a contoured, wedge shaped, inflatable pillow and an air inlet.7. The bathing system of claim 4, further comprising an inflatable headrest, wherein the head rest comprises a contoured, wedge shaped,inflatable pillow and an air inlet.
 8. The bathing system of claim 6,further comprising a face protector.
 9. The bathing system of claim 5,further comprising an external water tank.
 10. The bathing system ofclaim 9, wherein the external water tank comprises a hand pump andthermometer.
 11. The bathing system of claim 9, further comprising ashower head capable of being attached to the external water tank. 12.The bathing system of claim 10, further comprising a shower head capableof being attached to the external water tank.